"From an ecological point of view, they provide important habitat for bats and birds and from a historical perspective, they are an important surviving example of innovative Victorian civil engineering.

“Before losing this heritage forever the community deserves a truly impressive proposal and in my view that is not what they have been offered.”

Alex Ritson, a spokesman for the Friends of Seething Wells, said: “This development has caused the country’s leading environmentalist, Zac Goldsmith, to speak out, along with local MP Edward Davey.

“They both recognise it is simply wrong to build luxury homes on what is effectively a nature reserve.

“This is the riverside equivalent of concreting over school playing fields. The fact hundreds of people have come to our public meetings shows people care.”

He urged objectors to write to the council ahead of this month’s development control meeting.

Councillors will make a decision on the filter beds at the Guildhall on Tuesday, January 22.